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It’s loon count time on Maine lakes

FALMOUTH, Maine — This summer’s heavy rainfall isn’t doing much good for the loons.

Maine Audubon says the rains have raised lake water levels. In many places across Maine, the loons are nesting either very late in the season, or not at all.

Audubon loon project director Susan Gallo said loons in Maine typically lay their eggs from mid-May to mid-June in nests on the shoreline. With the high water, it appears many early loon nests were flooded. It also looks like many loons are waiting until water levels drop before they try to nest again.

The assessment comes as more than 1,000 volunteers prepare to head out on Maine lakes and ponds Saturday for Audubon’s annual loon count. The count provides a long-term view of the loon population’s size and health.